Bilstein B12 Kit

[dcaron9999]

Originally Posted by houtan

I finally got my b8/swift spring setup installed last weekend. I also installed the m3 bits front and rear. I seriously love driving my car now. The ride is more stiff, but it is still very comfortable. As others have said, it feels hunkered down the road.

My tires are completely worn out though, so I haven't pushed the handling yet. Should have new tires next week and will give more feedback. So far, im really happy with the suspension.

Made up my mind. Going with this eaxct setup (B8 dampers and Swift Spec-R springs) myself. Adding Dinan Rear Shock Mounts while Im in there.

Longest lasting dampers and stiffest springs out there, short of a coilover. More wheel clearance than a coilover setup.

Money saved for tracking expenses.

Should be a step up from stock dampers and springs, which Ive been abusing at the track for two years.

[houtan]

Nice. Looking forward to hearing how you like the setup and your thoughts when you take it to the track.

[WPG D33Z]

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

Made up my mind. Going with this eaxct setup (B8 dampers and Swift Spec-R springs) myself.

Longest lasting dampers and stiffest springs out there, short of a coilover. More wheel clearance than a coilover setup.

Money saved for tracking expenses.

Should be a step up from stock dampers and springs, which Ive been abusing at the track for two years.

Where are you getting your parts from? I wouldn't mind a quote for my vert since I have a broken spring and worn shocks already.

[dcaron9999]

Originally Posted by WPG D33Z

Where are you getting your parts from? I wouldn't mind a quote for my vert since I have a broken spring and worn shocks already.

Touge Tuning in Ontario.
They have a pre "spring" sale going on ...
A bit of a struggle getting timely replies from them though, so I will save you the hassle:

Bilstein B12 kit (B8 dampers + Eibach springs): $1349CAD + taxes
Bilstein B8 dampers: $826CAD + taxes
Koni Sports dampers: $899CAD + taxes
Swift Spec-R springs (stiffer rates than Eibach in B12 bundle): $444CAD + taxes

Edit: The pre-spring rush sale ends Thursday, don't miss out on your chance to save on the parts you want. Sales@tougetuning.com

Edit #2: Found the B8 for $100CAD less .
http://www.bilsteincanada.com/index....47_14248_14253

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

Touge Tuning in Ontario.
They have a pre "spring" sale going on ...
A bit of a struggle getting timely replies from them though, so I will save you the hassle:

Bilstein B12 kit (B8 dampers + Eibach springs): $1349CAD + taxes
Bilstein B8 dampers: $826CAD + taxes
Koni Sports dampers: $899CAD + taxes
Swift Spec-R springs (stiffer rates than Eibach in B12 bundle): $444CAD + taxes

Edit: The pre-spring rush sale ends Thursday, don't miss out on your chance to save on the parts you want. Sales@tougetuning.com

Very nice, can you reuse your GC camber plates? Be sure to report back with a review. I think this is a great solid setup if you can deal with slight harshness (but probably well worth the tradeoff for track days)

[WPG D33Z]

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

Touge Tuning in Ontario.
They have a pre "spring" sale going on ...
A bit of a struggle getting timely replies from them though, so I will save you the hassle:

Bilstein B12 kit (B8 dampers + Eibach springs): $1349CAD + taxes
Bilstein B8 dampers: $826CAD + taxes
Koni Sports dampers: $899CAD + taxes
Swift Spec-R springs (stiffer rates than Eibach in B12 bundle): $444CAD + taxes

Edit: The pre-spring rush sale ends Thursday, don't miss out on your chance to save on the parts you want. Sales@tougetuning.com

Edit #2: Found the B8 for $100CAD less .
http://www.bilsteincanada.com/index....47_14248_14253

I wonder how this coilover kit compares, it's just a tad more expensive than the B12 kit. B12 - $1195 cdn, Coils $1295 cdn Free Shipping. Both pretty good prices considering the $'s current value.

http://www.bilsteincanada.com/produc...oducts_id=3940

[dcaron9999]

Originally Posted by WPG D33Z

I wonder how this coilover kit compares, it's just a tad more expensive than the B12 kit. B12 - $1195 cdn, Coils $1295 cdn Free Shipping. Both pretty good prices considering the $'s current value.

http://www.bilsteincanada.com/produc...oducts_id=3940

The price point is attractive but ... I dont know if the entry level PSS9 coilovers are even worth considering versus quality dampers and springs.

I noticed one guy selling the PSS9, after getting a damper repaired. From the picture, I could tell the springs had binded a few times (paint missing between wounds). Perhaps the springs are too soft and they bottom out often? Also some complaints of the entry level PSS9 and PSS10 dampers making noise after a while. But Bilstein stands behind their products and replaces/rebuilds them under warranty.

At this price point, maybe the Zinc plated ST XTA's are a better choice, and they include camber plates. Some forum members are happy with them (fidiman is someone that comes to mind).

Coilover spring perch and tire clearance is a big pet peeve for me though. Maintaining maximum tire width is one of the primary reasons why I want to go with dampers and springs instead. Also, so many adjustments for compression+rebound on the four corners would make me go nuts. I would probably set them and forget them.

Im hoping that the Bilstein B8 + Swift Spec-R combo should kick it up a notch ($1166CAD), and provide me the wide tire + wheel clearance I have now with my stock dampers and springs (running 255/35R18 square tire setup with no rubbing).

[WPG D33Z]

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

The price point is attractive but ... I dont know if the entry level PSS9 coilovers are even worth considering versus quality dampers and springs.

I noticed one guy selling them - the springs had binded a few times (paint missing between wounds). Perhaps the springs are too soft? Also some complaints of the PSS9 and PSS10 making noise after a while.

At this price point, probably the ST XTA's are a better choice (inc. camber plates).

Coilover spring perch and tire clearance is a big pet peeve for me though. One of the primary reasons why I want to go with dampers and springs instead. Too many adjustments as in compression+rebound on the four corners would make me go nuts.

Im hoping that the Bilstein B8 + Swift Spec-R combo should kick it up a notch ($1166CAD), and provide me the wide tire + wheel clearance I have now with my stock dampers and springs (running 255/35R18 square tire setup with no rubbing).

Sounds like you are all set. If my KW V1 deal doesn't pan out I may do the same. I'm running SF-71's in summer and am a little concerned that they will fit with the coils still.

[dcaron9999]

Originally Posted by WPG D33Z

Sounds like you are all set. If my KW V1 deal doesn't pan out I may do the same. I'm running SF-71's in summer and am a little concerned that they will fit with the coils still.

I havent placed my order yet, and validating a few coilover options with my favorite local shop. There is a 90% chance that I will stick with original plan though (B8+Swift).

[Xyloft]

I'm installing these right now. It doesn't appear that I can reuse the front bump stops?

are they needed?

[aloksatoor]

Originally Posted by Xyloft

I'm installing these right now. It doesn't appear that I can reuse the front bump stops?

are they needed?

I believe they are inside the strut.

[Suhb]

Originally Posted by aloksatoor

I believe they are inside the strut.

Correct. They are inside the strut assembly.

[Xyloft]

Originally Posted by Suhb

Correct. They are inside the strut assembly.

awesome, thanks. I was dreading pulling it back apart.

edit - just finished installing it and taking it for a test drive. compared to my over worn stock suspension, it feels great. I'm hoping the minor squeak i heard was the trunk interior pieces that i hadn't reinstalled yet, but I'm pretty sure i know what's making noise.

initial impression: feels pretty firm, but I think it handles our rough roads better than before i installed them. haven't really pushed the handling since i'm still running the winter rubber. but I agree, it feels "planted" as others have said. definitely feels a lot more responsive on the steering. Diving when heavy breaking is almost not noticeable.

it doesn't appear to be any lower at the moment. I assume it's going to settle out over the next week or so. for those that have them installed. how long did it take to settle and did you notice it was lower right away?

[aloksatoor]

Quick question, with the b12 kit, do I need to reuse this part for the rear top nut, if so ECS suggests we replace it everytime we remove it.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135...hocks/ES58109/

[dtla1]

Originally Posted by aloksatoor

Quick question, with the b12 kit, do I need to reuse this part for the rear top nut, if so ECS suggests we replace it everytime we remove it.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135...hocks/ES58109/

Yes, you do need to re-use that.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by aloksatoor

Quick question, with the b12 kit, do I need to reuse this part for the rear top nut, if so ECS suggests we replace it everytime we remove it.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135...hocks/ES58109/

A lot of guys use DINAN rear shock hardware kit(~$100). They use a combo of Z8 and 650i rear shock parts for a real solution for the clucking noises that plague older BMW's.

Rear Upper Shock Mount Kit 10mm for BMW 135i E82 Coupe 2008-2013
http://www.dinancars.com/product/d11...e-2008-2013-2/

[aloksatoor]

No noise issues yet on my 28k miler. Thanks a lot guys! I will go with the dinan parts rather than the stock part.

[Indo Rider]

I have the B12 kit sitting in my living room. I'm not sure I want to install because I'm looking to fit widest wheels/tires I can and it seems like the springs in the front might prevent that..? Can anyone confirm that the springs with the b12 kit are likely to cause interference when I go to a really wide tire? If so, what's the go to coilover that has best clearance for fitting wide wheels and tires?

[david in germany]

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

The B12 Kit or just B8 dampers with Swift spec-R springs seem like what I need ...

Go with the B12, great set and designed to work together.

[brocklanders]

Originally Posted by david in germany

Go with the B12, great set and designed to work together.

I would be willing to bet that they take the parts and throw them in a box. Meaning the shocks and struts are valved the same as if you were to buy them separately.

[houtan]

Originally Posted by Indo Rider

I have the B12 kit sitting in my living room. I'm not sure I want to install because I'm looking to fit widest wheels/tires I can and it seems like the springs in the front might prevent that..? Can anyone confirm that the springs with the b12 kit are likely to cause interference when I go to a really wide tire? If so, what's the go to coilover that has best clearance for fitting wide wheels and tires?

Using a suspension with a fixed perch is the easiest way to fit wide wheels and tires. Clearance issues arise with coilovers because the spring perch is not fixed, which means you need to consider the location of the perch and spring when setting up your suspension or buying wheels.

You don't have to worry about clearance of the spring and perch with the b12 kit because the tire will be below the perch. You will still have to consider clearance to the fender and the shock body though. hope this helps.

[Indo Rider]

Originally Posted by houtan

Using a suspension with a fixed perch is the easiest way to fit wide wheels and tires. Clearance issues arise with coilovers because the spring perch is not fixed, which means you need to consider the location of the perch and spring when setting up your suspension or buying wheels.

You don't have to worry about clearance of the spring and perch with the b12 kit because the tire will be below the perch. You will still have to consider clearance to the fender and the shock body though. hope this helps.

This helps a lot, thanks! I have been trying to compare photos of different setups and it wasn't obvious to me whether the tire would be totally below the perch. Really was excited to get the b12 kit installed because it seems like it should allow an improvement over stock without the risk of me making things worse thru improper settings on adjustable coils. Then I got nervous because I questioned if it would be compatible with my tire goals. Time to go ahead and install!